“It is a fundamental change which is being imposed with no explanation, let alone any consultation with rail travellers or the council.

“I am demanding answers from government, Network Rail and East Midlands Trains, and will be insisting on a reversal of this shocking loss of services.

“With no explanation for this sudden change, it looks like an attempt to force through the plans to cut all intercity services from Bedford by the back door. Either way, coming days after the announcement of yet another inflation-busting fare rise it’s a disgraceful betrayal of Bedford rail users.